Moving Tips
Moving doesn't have to be a hassle if you have a plan. Read on for some more moving tips from 1st Lake.
Moving Tips Checklist
One Month Before Your Move:
• Change your address with the post office.
At least one month before you plan to move, be sure to go to your local post office and ask for a change of address form. Fill this form out with your new address information so you will be sure not to miss any important mail. You may also fill this form out online here.
• Fill out a change of address form with the IRS.
If you are receiving social security benefits or supplemental security income (SSI), you will want to be sure you notify the IRS of your new address. Be sure to contact the IRS for a change of address form at least one month prior to your move. You may also fill this form online here.
• Make arrangements with a moving company or reserve a rental truck for your moving date.
Depending on the size of your move, you will either want to hire a moving company or rent a truck at least one month prior to your move to make certain they are available when you need them. Ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations.
• Planes, trains, and automobiles!
Make any necessary travel arrangements with airlines, hotels, or car rental agencies at least a month in advance. The closer you get to your departure date, the more likely reservations are to fill up and prices are to rise.
• Transfer or terminate memberships in clubs and civic organizations.
Before you move, be certain to research the organizations that are important to you in your new city.
• Just what the doctor ordered.
Before you find yourself in a jam without a prescription you need or a good doctor, be sure to have all of your medical records and prescription histories transferred to your new location. Start asking your doctor and dentist for recommendations and referrals at least a month before you move.
• Open a checking account in your new city.
Avoid costly ATM fees and delays in check processing by setting up a bank that is local to your new home. Check to make sure there are ATM locations and banking centers close to both your home and work place so that you will not have to drive out of the way.
• Check into laws and requirements of your new city regarding home based businesses, professional tests, business licenses, tax regulations and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
If you are planning to switch careers or start a new business from home once you arrive in your new city, the last thing you want is a surprise with the law slowing you down!
• Write an inventory of all your belongings.
Make sure to write down, take pictures, or video record your belongings before they are boxed up in the event that you need to file an insurance claim. For electronic equipment, record serial numbers and carry warranty information and receipts with you so that you know their monetary value.
• Make travel arrangements for pets.
If you are in a situation where your pet cannot travel with you, make sure you make arrangements for them to be transported at least a month in advance.
• Start using up food items so there is less to pack and possibly spoil.
Rather than spending more money on grocery shopping the month before you move, be creative in the kitchen with what you already have. Remember that anything in the refrigerator or freezer is likely to spoil if you try to transport it, so use it rather than waste it. Have friends over and have a "clean out the refrigerator" party. The party will be a fun farewell for you and will help you get rid of things you can't eat on your own!
One to Two Weeks Before Your Move:
• Stop/transfer all of your utility services before your move.
Make sure to close or transfer all services: electric, telephone, cable, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscriptions, etc. If you have trouble remembering all of your services, be sure to make a list of all company names and numbers from your last month's bills.
• Arrange for help on moving day.
Whether you are using a moving company or renting a truck, it is always a good idea to have an extra hand around. Whether it is for help moving items or simply for keeping an eye on things and keeping you company, you will appreciate having a friend.
• Confirm travel reservations.
Double check yourself for any errors you or the agent could have made by confirming your time, destination, and name are all correct on your reservations.
• Have your car serviced for moving.
If you are traveling by car, make sure to have your oil, water, and tires all checked at least a week before you plan to leave.
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped before your move.
Have items that you would like to decorate with or wear in your new city cleaned before you move so that they are ready to use when you arrive.
• Close your bank accounts and have all funds transferred to your new bank.
Before you close your accounts, make certain that all checks and outstanding payments have cleared from your account.
• Collect valuables from your safe deposit box.
If you have any important documents, birth certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, etc., be sure to make a copy to keep with you.
• Arrive at your 1st Lake Properties location (in the Greater New Orleans area) wearing a smile and ready to move in!
